Posts Tagged ‘party planning’

As you say goodbye to 2013 and welcome in the new year, you may be tempted to sit back, relax and take a break from your recent holiday party planning. However, before you put away your festive decor and bid farewell to old trends you may want to think ahead for upcoming soirees. This year will see a continuation of 2013 favorites like gluten-free foods and handcrafted favors. Whether you’re a party planner extraordinaire or someone who likes to throw a good party, here are five hot trends to satisfy party guests in 2014.

Elaborate Invitations

Thanks to crafting sites and specialty interest boards, creating custom-made invitations has never been easier or more popular. Guests will enjoy receiving handmade invitations featuring your own handwriting and special personal touches. Try adding elements of your party’s theme such as sprigs of fresh foliage or animal-shaped cutouts for added flair.

Gourmet Comfort Foods

Nothing brings friends closer together than a plate of warm, comforting food. The year 2014 will see an upswing in upscale takes on classic dishes. Macaroni and cheese with shiitake mushrooms or roasted root vegetable casseroles provide ample flavor and a touch of gourmet style. Using blenders by KitchenAid will help speed up the process of turning classics into new favorites, and check out mendingshed.com for great deals on kitchen staples.

Classic Party Games

The end of 2013 saw a resurgence in popular family board games, and the trend continues this year. Rather than hosting a traditional cocktail party, consider inviting friends and family over for a classic game night filled with friendly competition and simple party snacks. There has also been a raise in the popularity of minute to win it games. So depending on the tip of get together you are planning, this could be a great option. Quick, fun games that will keep everyone participating and laughing.

Local Fare

If you’ve noticed a trend in local food lately, then expect to see more this year as people turn to a simpler menu of homegrown goodies. Whether you use local vegetables for your party platter or locally sourced hand towels for the bathroom, using products from your home town is a trendy way to support your community. There are always great options at the farmers market to contribute to the menu as well.

Vibrant Themes

Spring’s hottest colors this year are based on bold hues like bright orchid and cerulean. You can make any party stand out by adding fresh flowers, accent furniture and brightly colored candies to the mix. Incorporate fresh and vibrant colors into your parties to help lift the mood and set the tone for a happy evening.

Planning a party for 2014 might seem like a challenge right after the holidays, but keeping these trends in mind will help you pull off an event to remember. Just remember to play into your personal strengths and have fun during the process. From bachelorette parties to bar mitzvahs, keeping it fresh and local will be the key to hosting a perfect party and impressing your guests all year long.

About the author: Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking.